Kumri (Cerebrospinalnematodiasis) in Goat: A Laboratory Epidemiological Outbreak Investigation in Banke district of Mid-

Western Region of Nepal.

Dr.Kedar Karki.
Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureswor Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract:
Seasonal occurrence (mainly in October-November) of a disease syndrome locally called 'Kumri' meaning weak back was observed
in goats in Banke and other districts of western Tarai in the last few years. Traumatic injury to the lumbar region, nutritional
deficiencies and parasitism in the spinal cord were the likely causes considered. Based on the epidemiological pattern viz;
seasonal occurrence, clinical symptoms, afebrile condition and local nature of infection, and non response to supplementation of
vitamins and minerals, the disease was provisionally diagnosed as cerebrospinal nematodiasis. This has been further substantiated
through laboraotry of Seteria spp in cattle in this region, detection of microfilaria in affected goat and treatment response of
affected goats with diethylcarbamazine. As adult seteria spp in cattle, Buffalo and microfileria from blood smears of affected
goat confirmed the cerebrospinal nematodisease in goat in Nepal.
Keyword:
Kumri.Seteria-spp.Banke, Nepal, Diethylecarbamezine, Microfilaria,Goat,Mosquito,Culex,Postmonsoon disease.Cerbrospinal
nematodiasis,Posteriorparalysis, Epidemiology,

Importance of Study
The wide distribution of goat in Tropics and subtropics reflects their ability to adapt to a variety of environment. However the
preferred environment is on the lighter sandy soil in the drier tropics rather they perform better and thrive in large number the
inherent characteristic of goat such as resistance to dehydration, preference to browse and wide ranging feeding habit enables
them to thrive in regions that receives less than 750 mm of rainfall (C. Devendra G. B. Mcleroy 1990.)In Nepal approximately
6080060 goats are being raised by small and marginal farmers out of that 491152 goats are being raged in western tropical part of
Nepal (Statical information on Nepalese Agriculture 1997/1998). Due to many ethnic group and religions believe the male goat is
preferred in comparison of other livestock product. ( C.L. Yadav 2000.) As the goats are considered as hardy and resistance to
many infections disease but parasitic disease of goat are considered to be major cause of considerable economic loss, which arise
primarily from the failure of parasitesd to grow or perform satisfactory several species of parasites are involved and the relative
importance of species in a particular region varies with its agro climatic and husbandry practices.
Statement of Problem:
Since 1986-87There was an outbreak of peculiar syndrome in goats in Banke district of west region of Nepal was observed during
October/November. Goats above six months of age were mostly affected. Typical clinical signs in affected goats were paralysis of

1
one or both hind limbs, paralysis of Lumber region in Coordination and survey back gait. When hand fed affected animal seat
normally and there was no systematic involvement,(no rise in Temperature diarrhea) with morbidity 15.20% and mortality 2-15%
were recorded. On treatment with diethylecarbamzan 10mg/kg affected animal disease entity disappear with 5-7 days, But there
was 2-5% post recovery deformity was recorded (Karki 1996). On treatment with diethylecarbamzan 10mg/kg affected animal
disease entity disappear with 5-7 days, But there was 2-5% post recovery deformaty was recorded (Karki 1996).Adult Setaria male
female collected from cattle buffalo (Karki et.al.2000).
Review of Literatures;
Posterior paralysis (KUMRI) in goat is being considerd to be caused by a filarial parasite Setaria.Setaria labiatopapillosa(syn.Setaria
digita,Setaria cervi normally occurs in the peritoneal cavity of cattle,buffaloes and deer.The parasite in the peritoneal cavity of
these animals is not generallt pathogenic.However, the immature forms in non-natural hosts like sheep and goats causes
cerebrospinalnematodiasis (Posterior Paralysis Kumri) with different neurological signs which is often fetal.Male parasites measures
about 40-60mm and females measures about 60-120mm. Mrphologically,the peribuccal ring and dorsal and ventral prominances are
distinct.Mouth opening is elongated.The tail of female terminates in a marked button,whichis divided into a number of
papillae.The microfilaria is sheethed both anteriorly and posteriorly and measure about 240-260 microns.Microfilaria are
transmitted mechanically by culicine mosquitoes.The second stage of microfilariae are ingested by mosquito in which development
of 3rd stage microfilaria takes place.These microfilaria are transmitted from mosquito to other animal by bite.In nono-natural
host,after bite,micrifilaria may enter the spinal cord or the central nervous system leading to clinical manifestations of paralytic
signs.The disease mostly occurs in the end of summer and autumn.(E.J.L.Soulsby., O.M. Radiostitis D.C. Blood
C.C.Gay:A.K.Upadhyaya;Karki et.al). The menegial worm(Parelaphostrongyle tenius) also known as the deer worm its aberrant
migration in sheep, goats causes damage to central nervous system with clinical signs ataxia, stiffness,muscularweakness posterior
paresis,paralysis,head tilt arching back.Clinical sings generally begin in the hind limbs and progress to front limbs(David E Anderson
2oo2).There was consistent abnormality shift in nucleated cell count from predomently lymphocytes and monocytes to eosinophils
over the course of infection.Parelaphostrongylus tenuis nematode normally found in the venous sinuses and subdural space of the
brain of white tailed deer in eastern northern America.Moos caribou, reindeer, sheep ,goat are susceptible to infection.However
they are abnormal hosts in them it causes cerebrospinalnematodiasis,a disease of nervous system,often resulting to death.(DNR-
Brain worm2001-2006).Cerebro-spinal nematodiasis(CSN,or Setaria) occurs in shrilanka(Nepal,India?) in crossbred/improved
goat(B.D.Perry et.al 2002).Sheep and goats are considered dead end host of deer fluke and meningeal worm once the either
parasite if ingested by sheep, goat it may migrate through different part of body wrecking havoc with the animal (J.S. Rook
et.al.).Sheep and goat are considered dead –end hosts for P.tenuis.The neurological sings observed in infected sheep, goat depend
upon the number of larvae present in nervous tissue and specifc portion of brain or spinal cord,a mild infestation in a local area
may produce slight limp,or weakness in one or more legs.A more sever infestation may cause animal to become partially or
completely paralyzed(M. Kopcha et.al),(Susan Schoenian 2005) (SCWDS Briefs,1992)(Corry Jeanne Mortensen 2000)(Pusterla et.al

2
1997) (Kopcha M 1989)(FS Guthery et.al1979)Setaria digitata and S.marshali larvae were observed in cerebrospinal cavity of 2
paralyzed cattle in Taiwan.Affected cattle showed quadriplegia and lumbar paralysis (Kwong-Chung Tung et.al2003). (El-Azazy
O.M.E.1999)Recorded Patent Setaria digitata in 5 out of 48 goats in Saudi Arabia.(Subhachalat P et.al 1999) morphologically
identified worm collected from Thai cattle.( Karki et.al. 2000) Detected male ,female adult Setaria parasite from peritoneal cavity
of zebu cattle and buffalo during post-mortem examination in Banke.Mukhopadhyay S;et.al 1996 implanted adult gravid female of
bovine filarial worm in Mastomys coucha found microfilaraemia. Which was detected as early as 4 days post plantation.
Implantation resulted in a decrease in total leuckocytes and erythrocytes and induction of eosinophilia.The microfilaria in
circulation were found to be eliminated by oral administration of diethylcarbamezine citrate, indicating its usefulness as potent
anti-micro filarial drugs. There was slight eosinophila in affected goat(S.P.Shrestha).Prevalence of Lumber paralysis caused by
cerebrospinal nematodiasis is common in goats all over India mainly during the month of October-December with morbidity as high
as31%.Prophylatic treatment with Hetrazen(diethylcarbamazine at the onset of winter is highly effective for control of lumber
paralysis in goat(P.Ghalsasi et.al 2000).

Objective of study:
Haematological investigation for detection of Microfilaria in affected goat.
Haematological analysis of RBC, WBC.Hbg.PCV/ of blood from affected goat.
Evaluation of Treatment response of Diethyl carbamezene.

Methodology:
Outbreak investigation.

OUTBREAK
INVESTIGATION.

Village Total Goat. Affected. Dead.

Development
Comity.
KUSUM. 175 20.

MAHADEBPURI 1720 562 35.

KACHNAPUR 1552 480 45.

KOHALPUR 1825 390 27

3
KAMDI 1775 495 35.
TOTAL. 7434 2038 498

Based on the clinical manifestations, the animals were treated with Drethylecarbamezin (Hetrazen Banocide fort) provisionally
diagnosed as cerebrospinalnematodiasis locally known as Kumri in out break areas.
Laboratory Finding of Hematological examination

Normal Value Differential blood Meant + se

count
0-3% Basophil 0.46+ 0.10

1-8% Esionophil 8.78+ 0.38

1-5% Monocytes 0.93+ 0.16

40-75% Lymphocytes 57.63 + 1.3

10-50 % Neutrophils 32.20+ 1.25

8-18 Millions Total R.B.C 3.3-4.6Millions

13-15103/m/m3 Total W.B.C 6.2-8.5/103/m3

8.8-13.8% Hemoglobin 6.6-9.3%

25-40% P.C.V 20-28%

Normal Value Differential blood count Meant se

0-3% Basophil 0.46 0.10

1-8% Esionophil 8.78 0.38

4
1-5% Monocytes 0.93 0.16

40-75% Lymphocytes 57.63 1.3

10-50 % Neutrophils 32.20 1.25

8-18 Millions Total R.B.C 3.3-4.6Millions
13-15103/m/m3 Total W.B.C 6.2-8.5/103/m3
8.8-13.8% Hemoglobin 6.6-9.3%

25-40% P.C.V 20-28%

A total blood sample slide when examined for presence of blood parasite.6 out of 10 sample revealed the presence of typical
microfilaria with sheath is most easily seen as it extends beyond the anterior and posterior ends of microfilaria.

Result and Discussion:

On the basis of clinico-epidemiological study, finding of adult Setaria spp in the cattle/ Buffalo in out break area and also
microfilaria in blood from diseased goat confirm Setaria as the main cause of posterior paralysis Kumri .The finding of
hematological analysis indicated a marked decrease of total R.B.C, W.B.C.Haemoglobin, P.C.V., but a marked increase in
Esionophil confirm the finding of other researcher in filarial infestation. Responses of Treatment was similar to earlier worker also
confirmed in this entity is caused by Setereria spp.

Recommendation:
On the basis of above finding, confirm the in specific Agro-geo. ecozone in specific season, out break of posterior paralysis(Kumri)
is caused by Seteria spp. and response of Diethylcarbamazin on its treatment is recommended as soon as possible. Same treatment
if applied can prevent the loss.

Reference:
A.K.Upadhyay:Setariasis,Cerbrospinalnematodiasis:Preventive Veterinary Medicine IBDCO Publishing House,First Edicine 2005
pp422-424
B.D.Perry;et.al.Investing in Animal Health Research to allivate
Poverty;hhtp;//www.ilri.cgiar.org/InfoServ/Webpub/Fulldocs/InvestAnim/Book1/index.htm.

5
Corry Jeanne Mortension,et.al;Parrlaphostrongylus(Brainworm) Infection in Deer and Elk.Western Collage of Veterinary
Medicine;http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/specialstock/elk/diseases/Ptenius.html
C. Devendra, G.B. Mcleroy: Goat and sheep production in the tropics, Reprint 1990. (Page 2-3)
David E Anderson 2002:PARASITES:Parelaphostrongylusa Tenius(Meningeal Worm) http://www.vet.ohio-
state.edu/docs/ClinSci/camlid/mening.html.
DNR-Brainworm Michigan.gov.Home;Michigan DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory.

E.J.L.Soulby: Heminth Arothopodes and protozoa of Domesticated, Animals seventh Edition 1986 pp 316-3

El-Azazy O.M.E:et.al:Patent infection with Setaria digitata in goats in Saudi Arabia:Veterinary Parasitology,Vol.82,Number2,
31March 1999,pp.161-166(6).
FS.Guthy:ET.AL;Cerebrospinal nematodiasis caused by Parelaphostrngylus tenius in Angora goats in Texas:Journal of Wildlife
Diseases,15(1),1979, pp.37-42. J.S.Rook,et.al;MeningealWorms (Brain Worms) &Liver Flukes (Deer Flukes)Two Uncommon Internal
Prasites

Karki Kedar and B.N. Adhikari: (Cerebrospinal nematodiasis Goats In Western Terai of Banke District- A Review) Nepalease Vet. J.
26: 98-100 (2000)
Karki K.B.Paralysis in goat; cerebrospinal nematodiasis ( in Nepali – veterinary chaumasik, Tissue 1, 2053, B.S. pp. 25-26) Kwong-
Chung Tung;et.al;Cerebrospinal setariosis with Setaria marshalli and Setaria digitata infection in cattle; J.Vet.Med Sci.2003
Sep;65:977-83.
DOI:10.1186/1475-2883-2-S1-S4.
Mukhopadhyay S;et.al;Setaria digitata microfilareamia in Mastomys coucha: an animal module for chemotherapeutic and
immunobiological studies;Parasitology,1996,vol.113,nO4,pp323-330,Cambridge University Press ,Cambridge,ROYAUME-UNI(1908)
(Revue).
M.Kopcha:et.al:Cerebrospinal nematodiasis in a goat herd:J.Am.Vet. Med.Assoc.1989May 15;194:1439-42.
Mchel Boussingnesq;et.al:Clinical picture,epidemiology and outcome of Loa-associated serious events related to mass ivermectin
treatment of oncocerciasis in Cameroon;Filaria Journal 2003,2(Suppl 1):S4 DOI:10.1186/1475-2883-2-S1-S4.
M.Kopcha;et.al;P.tenuis-White-tailed Deer Parasite;MSU Extension & Ag.Experiment Station,Mechigan State University;Collage of
Veterinary Medicine.

6
O.M. Radiostitis D.C. Blood C.C.Gay:Certebrospinal Nematodiasis Lumber Paralysis, Kumri.)Earth edition 1994 (Page No 1274-125-
75)
P.Ghalsasi:et.al:Astudy on the prophylaxis of lumber paralysis caused by cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats:7th Ibternational
Conference on Goats ,France,15-21 May 2000:853.
Pusterla N:et.al:Cerebrospinal nematodiasis in seven goats:Schweiz Arch Tierheilked.1997;139(6):282-7.

Statistical Information On Agriculture 1997/1998 H.M.G. Agriculture statistics Division, Nepal. 2002/2003 (Page 29)

Subhachalat P,et.al:Setaria digitata in cattle of Thailand identified by sodium dodecyle sulfate polyaceylamide gel
electrophoresis,J.Vet.Med,Sci.1999April;61(4);443-5.
Setariadigitata;http;//www.nehu.ac.in/bic/HelMinth_Parasite_NE/Setaria%20digitata.html.
SCWDS Briefs,January 1992,7.4.Meningeal worms in.
Susan Schoenian;Meningeal Worm,Brain Worm-Deer Worm
Paralaphostrongylustenius;http://www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/deerworm.html.
Veterinary Parasitology-Nematode Lab2(Lungworms and Filarids
www.cvm.umn.edu/academics/course_web/current/cvm6202/Labs/lab6pdf
Yadav C.L. Agro climatic influence on parasitic disease of sheep and goat Pashudhan,volume 15 issue –04 (2000) pp-1

Acknowledgement:
I would like to Acknowledge Dr.Rebati Man Shrestha Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief of this Laboratory,Dr.Ganesh Raj
Pant,Dr.Poornima Manandhar,SVO,Dr.Vinaya Kumar Karna VO and Mr.Prakash Devkota animal health Technician for their
contribution in this investigation.